Minnesota communities look for ways to foster small businesses in an effort to grow the economy one job at a time

Minnesotans generate an unending stream of entrepreneurial ideas, from new food snacks to industrial tarps to replaceable lawnmower blades. And entrepreneurism is increasingly appreciated as a key economic driver for the state.
But by a number of measures, entrepreneurial health in Minnesota has slipped. So even as more communities shift economic development strategies to encouraging entrepreneurism, the question remains: What are the best ways to encourage it at levels significant enough to matter?

This Ground Level project looks at places in Minnesota that have been trying to foster a more entrepreneurial culture and the people trying to take action.

Q and A

What is entrepreneurship, can it be taught, how does Minnesota stack up? A conversation with two Minnesota experts.

Three entrepreneurs

Microloan lets Iron Range couple move back
Catherine Branville always knew she wanted to own a store. But she wasn't sure what sort it would be. Branville's decision was made for her when Irma's Finland House, a mainstay gift shop in Virginia, came up for sale a year and a half ago. February 9, 2012

One Job at a Time: The story of Nots!
Rob Fuglie's brainstorm began with the swinging of a hammer to smash sunflower seeds on his kitchen counter. His young son is allergic to nuts, and so, tired of munching plain old sunflower seeds, Fuglie endeavored to create something more crunchy and tasty.Feb. 3, 2012

Red Wing wakeboarder hopes for success
Kyle Mehrkens grew up on Lake Pepin near Red Wing, so it was only natural that he'd invent a contraption that makes it easier to be on the water. Jan. 23, 2012

Ground Level: a Minnesota Public Radio News project examining community issues across Minnesota

We identify topics that are significant and complex and that play out uniquely at the local level. We want to explore those issues in which people taking action in their communities make a difference and can serve as guides for others.

Ground Level launched in early 2010 and shines a light on a variety of topics, from the growing complexity of Minnesota's local food system to cities preparing for new fiscal realities, from exurban growth in Baldwin Township to the quest to expand broadband access across the state.

We experiment with coverage on a variety of platforms. This includes text, audio and video online, of course - the Ground Level blog, a series of topics pages and social networking, for example. It also includes on-air coverage, public forums both virtual and real-world and collaboration with community-based media.

Our audience consists of Minnesotans interested in community life, particularly those who are taking an active part in it or helping others do the same.

Ground Level is very much an experiment -- in finding ways to learn about and tell stories, in working with other organizations, in walking up to the line between providing insight and advocating specific actions. Our goal is to inform and give people the ability and incentive to engage with their community.
We invite your feedback and your ideas, via the blog, twitter at @MPRGroundLevel, phone calls, emails, whatever.
Join us.

About the team:

Dave Peters

Dave Peters directs MPR's project on community journalism, looking for ways Minnesota residents are making their towns, cities and neighborhoods better places to live. He joined MPR News in 2009 after more than 30 years as a newspaper and online reporter and editor. Contact Dave